Terms Used In Alabama Code 34-13-5

  • Complaint: A written statement by the plaintiff stating the wrongs allegedly committed by the defendant.
  • Indictment: The formal charge issued by a grand jury stating that there is enough evidence that the defendant committed the crime to justify having a trial; it is used primarily for felonies.
  • Jurisdiction: (1) The legal authority of a court to hear and decide a case. Concurrent jurisdiction exists when two courts have simultaneous responsibility for the same case. (2) The geographic area over which the court has authority to decide cases.

District courts shall have jurisdiction in all criminal prosecutions arising under this chapter. The district attorney is authorized to institute criminal prosecutions for violations of this chapter by information, or prosecutions may be instituted by indictment or by complaint verified before any magistrate.